Editor’s Note: Student Union is written by students at Hampden Academy, Brewer High School, Old Town High School and Schenck High School in East Millinocket. The weekly column is a joint effort among the schools, the Bangor Daily News and The Acadia Hospital. This week’s column was written by a Hampden Academy student. Her adviser is Felicia Folland.

Webster defines a hero as “one admired for his achievements and qualities; one who shows great courage.”

If asked before Sept. 11, most people wouldn’t have immediately associated the word with a firefighter, police officer or rescue worker. Instead, many would have said rock star, sports figure, maybe even politician. But now, in light of the terrorist tragedy, the context of the word hero has been altered from a Superman-like being to an ordinary person achieving remarkable things.

Since the World Trade Center attacks, people from all walks of life have come together in unity at ground zero. It isn’t their job; these are just ordinary people who want to help. They aren’t firefighters or police officers or rescue workers. They are secretaries, teachers and bank tellers. These aren’t knights charging into battle with their banners flying high, just the modern people of the 21st century.

Many extraordinary stories have emerged from the shock of Sept. 11. Some are straight from the heart of ground zero; others originate from states other than New York. Two accounts illustrate what I see as what our country is based on.

A group of volunteers composed of Vietnam veterans journeyed from Texas to ground zero in an 18-wheeler full of wood, barbecues and their own money. They assembled their barbecues at ground zero and cooked up Texas-style food for the diligent work force. They weren’t there to dig through the rubble; they were there to feed those who were doing the work. These were common people who were there to show the work force how much they appreciated what they were doing. Theirs was an act of heroism. Although indirect, it is the very definition of tomorrow’s heroes.

I read an article concerning two stay-at-home mothers, Debbie Michell and Shannon Smith from Arlington, Texas. Their children were baffled and frightened by the destruction of Sept. 11. Michell and Smith sought to find a way to comfort their children and help them understand that America was doing everything possible to find those responsible. Their children wanted to write letters to our troops thanking them for their sacrifice. Side by side, Michell and Smith initiated Operation Enduring Response. Its purpose is to gather the letters written by the children of America and ship them off to our troops.

“Even though we don’t have any family members in Afghanistan, we knew it would mean a lot to them to know how much our country appreciates them,” Smith said.

The two called local schools and the Red Cross to gain support for the program and make it possible. Each month on the anniversary of Sept. 11 the children write letters, which are sent to active military bases across the nation. The idea was contagious, quickly spreading to 20 states and more than 100 schools.

Heroism is not supernatural beings who wear long capes and fly; it’s not about kryptonite or fantastic powers. Heroes are average people with a gentler, compassionate view of their fellow humans. They put others first, even in the simplest ways. People don’t have to go to ground zero or start a program to show they care. Just thanking someone for giving time and effort can be enough. It’s those random acts of kindness that most don’t even think about that matter. With every tragedy there comes a lesson, and although the horror of Sept. 11 will remain etched in the minds of those who lived it, its lessons are far greater – to help those in need and put others before ourselves.